Lift suspension of proclamation — Padaca

The battle for the governorship of Isabela province continues as winning gubernatorial candidate Ma. Gracia Cielo Padaca yesterday asked the Commission on Election (Comelec) to lift the suspension of her proclamation.

Padaca, who is winning against incumbent Isabela Gov. Faustino Dy Jr. in the Comelec Canvass, said the suspension order issued by the Comelec last May 22 was irregular and meant only to favor his opponent.

"It seems it is easy for the Comelec to suspend the proclamation of somebody who won by 44,000 votes. Can’t they see that? The people of Isabela have been trying to fight for justice," she told a press conference at the Aksyon Demokratiko office in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

Padaca’s lawyer Leila de Lima-Bohol filed the petition with the Comelec office yesterday afternoon.

Last May 22, Comelec Commissioners Rufino Javier, Virgilio Garcillano and Resurreccion Borra issued a resolution suspending the proclamation of Padaca on the basis of a disqualification case filed by Dy against her a day before.

Dy claimed that Padaca enjoyed the backing of the New People’s Army (NPA) and "employed terrorism" to enhance her candidacy.

The accusation was denied by Padaca. "This somehow gives you an idea how low my opponent can get. It’s only part of their dilatory tactics." She noted that as former broadcaster in Isabela, she had the chance to work with military officials like former Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes and retired Maj. Gen. Edgardo Batenga. "They could ask them if they even got the idea that I was an NPA."

"We will fight for Grace Padaca and the people of Isabela. There is a great injustice and the whole Filipino people should work to correct that injustice," said Aksyon Demokratiko president and presidential aspirant Raul Roco.